Page 4 of Claiming Rose

Trust but not heart. Oliver could work with that. “I’m not married, nor am I in a relationship. Please feel free to ask Max. You could also chat with Noah as we hang out together outside the club.”

“Thank you.”

“I understand you’re a vet?” Oliver settled back in his chair. He’d sit here talking with her for as long as she wanted.

“I am.”

He kept his gaze on her face. Was she uncomfortable? “You took over Creatures Big and Small.” While he knew a bit about her, he wanted to hear from her.

“I did. When Dr. Phillips decided to retire, I bought the clinic from him.” Her expression was animated. “I believe you sell real estate?”

He laughed. “Yes, I do.” So she’d asked about him. His heart warmed.

“That must be interesting.” Rose shifted in her chair, but her face stayed relaxed.

“I get to meet a lot of people.” He had a talent for matching people up with what they wanted in a house, condo or townhouse.

“Me too, although most of mine are animal owners, and some should never have animals.”

He never thought about the abused animals she must see. “That must be rough.”

“It is, at times. Animals are one of the few creatures that give us unconditional love.” A shadow fell over them and Oliver looked up to see Lara standing there.

“Do you need a refill or anything?” she asked, looking directly at Rose.

“I’m fine. Oliver?” Her voice was soft, but strong.

“I’m good.”

“All right. Just let me know if you need refills.” Lara walked away, and Rose let out a sigh. “Some of the subs think I need protecting after Thomas.”

“They are worried about you.” He paused. “I am too.”

Her features softened. “I’m okay. As I said, Thomas broke my trust, but not my heart. I only took time away from the club to reevaluate my needs.”

He was relieved her heart wasn’t involved with Thomas. “Did you consider not coming back to the club?” He might need to be gentler with her than he thought. “I’m glad to hear that your heart wasn’t involved.” Maybe he could get her heart to be involved with him.

“Not really. I needed to figure out what I wanted out of the club.” Another sigh escaped her lips. “My relationship with Thomas was only in the club, we never saw each other outside of it.”

“Now you want something different?” He wanted her both in and out of the club.

“I’m thinking about it.”

Oliver stared at her and then decided to take the plunge. “Have dinner with me this week?”

Her eyes went wide. “You’re asking me on a date?”

“Why don’t we start with friends going out to dinner, then see where it goes from there.” Oliver slid closer to her. “I’ve liked you for a while now, Rose, but I don’t poach. You were with Thomas, so I didn’t approach you.”

Color bloomed in her cheeks and she bit a lower lip he very much wanted to nibble.

“All right. I’m free on Tuesday night.”

Oliver grinned. “Perfect. Is there anything you don’t like to eat?”

“Nothing spicy.”

He nodded. “Good to know. I’ll find us the perfect place.”

---